Effect of chemical composition on the flocculation dynamics of latex-based synthetic activated sludge

Tan Phong Nguyen, Nicholas P. Hankins, Nidal Hilal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of calcium, alginate, fibrous cellulose, and pH on the flocculation dynamics and final properties of synthetic activated sludges. A laboratory-scale batch reactor, fed with standard synthetic sludges was used. The effects of varying calcium concentration (5-25 mM), alginate concentration (25-125 mg/L), fibrous cellulose concentration (0.2-0.8 g/L) and pH (3-9) on the sludge characteristics were studied by varying one parameter whilst keeping the others constant. The results from experiments indicated that the calcium, alginate, fibrous cellulose, and pH had the critical effect on the aggregation rate, flocs size, and made the improvement of the final properties of sludge. Dynamic measurements have established the optimum conditions for floc formation and can accurately reflect the state of formation of the synthetic activated sludge flocs. These correlate well with measurements of settleability and turbidity of the synthetic activated sludge. The results of this study support the bonding theory and indicate that formation of cations-polymer complexes and polymer gelation are important means of flocculation. The development of synthetic activated sludges is suggested also to be a possible surrogate for studying the final properties of activated sludge.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)265-274
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials
Volume139
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 10 2007

Keywords

  • Flocculation dynamics
  • Malvern Mastersizer-S
  • Photometric dispersion analyser (PDA)
  • Sludge properties
  • Synthetic activated sludge

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Waste Management and Disposal
  • Pollution
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

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